FRISCO, Tex. – Boise State linebacker Ezekiel Noa is trying to enjoy this as much as possible. Even if it makes him a little emotional to think about.
Noa, a sixth-year linebacker who joined the Broncos prior to the 2017 season, will play his final game at Boise State Saturday in the Frisco Bowl against North Texas.
“Soaking it all in,” Noa said. “It’s going to mean a lot. This is it for me. Being a Bronco – it’s been really fun.”
Noa is one of several key members of the Broncos playing in their final game on Saturday. The list includes Noa, nickel Tyreque Jones, corner Caleb Biggers and offensive lineman John Ojukwu for sure, and likely others including Scott Matlock, JL Skinner and George Holani.
Others including DJ Schramm, Demitri Washington and Riley Smith could come back for their bonus year of eligibility due to COVID, but haven’t decided whether they will or not.
As many as eight starters on defense could suit up for the Broncos for the final time on Saturday. And that means making the most of the little time they have left together – and trying to finish with a win.
“This team is going to be a lot different next year,” Matlock said. “We’re enjoying these moments we have with this team now and the players and coaches we have now and soak it all up and have fun and be grateful and at the end of the day we have to accomplish our one last mission but at the same time have fun doing it.”
Boise State is looking to win a 10th game for the first time since 2019. Boise State is also looking to win a bowl game for the first time since 2017. Only three players – Ojukwu, Noa and Jones – were part of that team and have a bowl win.
Saturday will be the final time this version of the Boise State Broncos gets together. And they are hoping to go out with a lasting memory.
“How we finish this season is everything,” coach Andy Avalos said. “It’s a big deal to finish strong.”
Kick off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. MT on Saturday and the game will be televised by ESPN. The Lithia Ford of Boise Pregame Show starts at 6 p.m. on the BNN YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages live from Toyota Stadium.
